UNDER the care of new owners, Pascal and Penny Rivault, the Bell on the Common pub in Broughton Gifford has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, with a French twist.
The couple took over the pub in February this year, and quickly started making changes to the pub but making sure it stays true to its community roots.
“The Bell on the Common is at the heart of the community,” said Pascal. “It has always been a hub for the village, and it was important to us to retain this.
“Business has been good since we arrived – the support from the village has been really great. And visitors are really enjoying the food and drink on offer.
“One of the changes we have made was to open up the space between the ‘copper bar’ and the main bar to create one large bar, but still retaining the unique features of each bar. Previously customers were having to go outside to get from one bar to the other, or come behind the bar – it wasn’t practical!”
Bringing with them over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pascal and Penny can guarantee a friendly welcome at the pub, and some of the finest food in the area.
Pascal, who is originally from France said, “We serve traditional pub classics with a French influence. One of our most popular dishes is the seafood bouillabaisse, a fish stew with a French mediterranean twist. It’s gone down very well! Our fish is delivered fresh from the seaside.
“We also have a daily ‘plat du jour’(dish of the day), which has proven very popular with the customers – our Facebook page is regularly updated with what the ‘plat du jour’ is.”
With the bowls club, cricket club in the near vicinity and a village boules league in action, the Bell on the Common is smack bang in the middle of all the action in the village.
Pascal said, “We feel that we have retained the pub atmosphere and the community spirit of the pub – we are looking forward to meeting everyone who decides to visit us.”
For more information about the pub, visit www.bellonthecommon.co.uk or search for ‘The Bell on the Common’ on Facebook.
